SIG 710-3
Overview
SIG 710-3
Standard production model SIG 710-3 with plastic grip and metal stock.
Source: www.gun-world.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
MG-710
SG-710
Description
Introduction
The SIG 710 is a Cold War era machine gun of Swiss origin. It was developed in the 1950's by SIG as a universal machine gun using the successful retarded blowback mechanism of the SG-510 battle rifle. Although being a high quality weapon the SIG 710 was not very successful and only small quantities have been sold.
Design
Design elements of the German MG45 machine gun and SIG SG-510 battle rifle were combined to develop the SIG 710. The layout is similar to the MG45, while the retarded blowback mechanism was derived from the SG-510 battle rifle. The SIG 710 is an all metal weapon, except for the earlier production models that had wooden stocks and grips. The SIG 710 is fitted with iron sights and a 2.5x telescopic sight may is optional. The SIG 710 is fitted with a bipod which may be folded to the rear. Alternatively the full size SIG L810 tripod what weighs 10 kg can be used.
Firepower
The SIG 710 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from continuous link or disintegrating belts at a rate of fire of about 900 rounds per minute. The effective range is quoted as 800 m from the bipod and 2.200 m from the L810 tripod. To allow for sustained fired the barrel can be quickly changed in a similar manner as the MG3.
Users
The SIG 710 was never adopted by Swiss forces and other Western nations. Many nations were satisfied with the new machine guns such as the MG3 and MAG they had already acquired. Export sales were made to several nations in limited numbers.
Variants
SIG 710-3
Right side view of early production model SIG 710-3 showing quick change barrel mechanism.
Source: www.gun-world.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Prototypes and production
The SIG 710-3 is the only model of the SIG 710 development that was put in quantity production. The SIG 710-1 in 6.5mm Swedish and SIG 710-2 in 7.92x57mm were produced in very limited quantities. Both models differ both in look and specifications from the SIG 710-3.
List of variants
Details
Media
Roland
A Bolivian army Roland armored personnel carried armed with SIG 710-3.
Source: Unknown user @ www.militaryphotos.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
SIG 710-3
Left side view of early production model SIG 710-3.
Source: www.gun-world.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
SIG SG-510
The SIG 710 uses an operating mechanism that is partially inspired by the SIG SG-510 battle rifle.
Rheinmetall MG3
The SIG 710 looks somewhat similar to the MG3 due to the slotted barrel shroud. However, both weapons function in a different manner.